Christmas Shopping at Fortnum & Mason – A Magical Tradition – There’s something truly enchanting about Christmas in London, and for me, no festive season feels complete without a visit to Fortnum & Mason. Nestled in the heart of Piccadilly, this historic department store has been delighting shoppers for over 300 years, and at Christmas, it transforms into a wonderland of twinkling lights, sparkling decorations, and the most luxurious gifts you could imagine.
Founded in 1707 by William Fortnum and Hugh Mason, the store quickly earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and indulgence. Their famous hampers, originally created to provide travellers with convenient meals, have become iconic symbols of the season. To this day, they remain one of the most sought-after gifts – brimming with gourmet delights, fine wines, and artisanal treats, all beautifully packaged in their signature wicker baskets.
Walking into the store at Christmas is like stepping into a festive storybook. The air is filled with the scent of spiced biscuits and freshly brewed tea, the staircases are dressed in greenery and ribbons, and every floor offers treasures to discover. From the Food Hall’s endless array of preserves, chocolates, and mince pies to the elegant selection of beauty, fragrance, and homeware upstairs, there is something to charm every visitor.
At a recent Christmas press showcase, I was reminded just how special Fortnum’s creations are. Three festive gems truly caught my eye:
The Queen Victoria Plum Pudding – Inspired by Queen Victoria’s lasting influence on British Christmas traditions, this richly indulgent pudding is a true festive centrepiece. At its heart is a generous helping of Victoria Plum Preserve – a fruit named for the monarch herself – and it is liberally laced with Fortnum’s own Ripe Cherry Liqueur for a deep, spirited flavour. Housed in a bespoke, fluted basin echoing the silhouette of Victorian jelly moulds, it is wrapped in a specially designed tea towel adorned with a regal peacock motif, a nod to Queen Victoria’s Osborne House. From its cherries and plums to the surprise sixpence design hidden beneath the pudding, every detail pays tribute to the monarch who helped shape the modern Christmas.
Christmas Coal – A playful and delicious treat, Fortnum’s Christmas Coal is made from crunchy cinder toffee dipped in smooth milk chocolate and dusted with black lemon sherbet, creating a distinctive flavour that surprises and delights. Crafted in Oxfordshire, it’s made with seasonal, local honey when available, making it both traditional and unique. A witty nod to the “coal in your stocking” tale, but one you’ll definitely want to receive.
Clementine & Juniper Mulling Syrup – This original syrup blends the earthy fragrance of juniper with the warming embrace of ginger and clove. Bright cranberry and sweet clementine add a modern twist, creating a perfectly balanced infusion that is as versatile as it is festive. Simply mix it with wine, cider or apple juice for the ultimate seasonal drink, or for a Scandinavian touch, add raisins and blanched almonds. Beyond mulled wine, it’s also delicious as a glaze for festive bakes or to cure salmon – truly, Christmas in a bottle. When combined with Fortnum & Mason’s Côtes du Rhône, it makes the most incredible mulled wine, guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and cheer at any festive gathering.
What makes shopping here so special is not just the products, but the experience. It feels personal, indulgent, and steeped in tradition. Every corner tells a story, every item feels thoughtfully curated, and even the smallest gift is wrapped with care, elevating it into something extraordinary.
Fortnum & Mason manages to capture the magic of Christmas in a way that few places can. It’s not just shopping – it’s a celebration of the season, a journey through history, and an opportunity to create memories with every purchase.
So, if you’re in London this Christmas, make sure to step inside this iconic store. Wander the aisles, soak up the festive atmosphere, and perhaps take home a little piece of Fortnum’s magic to share with those you love.
My Top Fortnum’s Gift Picks for 2025
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are my favourite Fortnum’s treasures to surprise and delight your loved ones this Christmas:
- The Classic Christmas Hamper – Packed with biscuits, preserves, chocolates, teas, and wines, it’s the ultimate all-in-one festive gift.
- The Queen Victoria Plum Pudding – A showstopping centrepiece steeped in history and rich flavour.
- Christmas Coal – A quirky stocking filler with a sweet twist.
- Clementine & Juniper Mulling Syrup – For making magical mulled wine or adding festive flair to seasonal cooking.
- Fortnum’s Christmas Tea – A warming blend of black tea with festive spices, perfect for cosy afternoons.
- Christmas Snowman Buttons – Beautifully crafted, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Poppy Watt